Gas prices down, travelers up
A dog stands in the bed of a pickup that's in line for gas at Costco on Thursday.
COEUR d'ALENE — Heading into the Labor Day weekend, gas prices are falling and Idahoans are expected to hit the road.
Idaho's average price for regular gas is $4.56 per gallon, which is 7 cents less than a week ago and 35 cents less than a month ago, but 76 cents more than a year ago.
Idaho gas prices are the highest in at least seven years, according to AAA.
Coeur d'Alene stations are offering a gallon of unleaded from as low as $4.17 at Costco to about $4.35.
Drivers in other parts of the nation are faring better, with the U.S. average currently sitting at $3.83 per gallon, which is 5 cents less than a week ago and 38 cents less than a month ago, but 66 cents more than a year ago.
“Gas prices have been steadily dropping since Independence Day, and while they’re still much higher than a year ago, that won’t be enough to deter most people from following through on their Labor Day travel plans,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.
Travelers can expect busy roads and crowded airports for Labor Day weekend. According to AAA, bookings for airfare, hotels, rental cars, cruises and tours for the holiday are up 22% from a year ago.
Based on AAA bookings, top Labor Day travel destinations include Las Vegas, Seattle, Spokane and Honolulu.
State parks and the national parks are also expected to be very busy over the weekend.
“It’s clear from the increase in travel bookings that people are willing to spend more for one last summer hurrah," Conde said.
Gas prices around the state include: Boise, $4.68; Franklin, $4.58; Idaho Falls, $4.53; and Twin Falls, $4.64.